Set Schedule Is Needed for Feb. Holidays

* Am I confused, or wasn’t there a decision a few years ago to consolidate Lincoln’s Birthday (Feb. 12) and Washington’s Birthday (Feb. 22) holidays into one Monday holiday, celebrated somewhere in between the two?

As I recall, the Monday holiday arrangement would establish a legal holiday called Presidents’ Day which banks, schools and government offices would observe. It would also create a three-day weekend for workers.

What I have noticed these past few years is that various businesses and government agencies have reverted back to celebrating the February holidays whenever they please. For example, I was hoping to use the public library in El Toro Saturday, Feb. 12, but it was closed for Lincoln’s Birthday. The school district for which I work observed Monday, Feb. 14, for Lincoln’s birthday and the legal holiday Monday, Feb. 21, for Presidents’ Day. Who knows, perhaps some organizations are celebrating Tuesday, Feb. 22, as Washington’s birthday.

I am finding it very frustrating each year trying to figure out who is open when. Shouldn’t we make a decision once and for all and have all government agencies observe that holiday schedule?

JANE R. SCHRENZEL

Lake Forest